IntroThe Toledo Rockets look to continue to build on the momentum of its 63-44 win in the GoDaddy Bowl against Arkansas State heading into the 2015 season. With its third nine-win season in its last four, Toledo Coach Matt Campbell knows the time is now to compete for the MAC title with 14 starters returning from the 2014 team.

“The quality of players we have is as good as it’s been since I’ve been here. But we know ability doesn’t always equal wins. It’s all of the other characteristics that often make up a winning football team,” Campbell said. “The players who are returning learned so many lessons last year, not only how to play the game but they learned how to overcome adversity and never quit.” (UTRockets.com)

OffenseLogan Woodside is expected to return as the Rockets’ starting quarterback in 2015. The junior amassed 2,272 yards through the air for 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season.

CFP Preseason First team All-MAC running back Kareem Hunt returns for his junior season as he led the conference in rushing yards with 1,631 and accounted for 16 touchdowns on the ground. Hunt’s backup Terry Swanson will also get some touches out of the backfield. Swanson rushed for 732 yards on 113 carries and scored six TD’s in a secondary role in 2014.

Toledo’s top two wide receivers from last season return in Corey Jones and Alonzo Russell. Jones led the Rockets in receiving yards (851) and receptions (69), while Russell finished with 770 yards on 51 catches.

“Sometimes people see the ‘wow’ moments, see an incredible catch and they think Alonzo should do something like that everyplay,” said Campbell. “But he’s added polish to his game every year. He’s a very good blocker, for example. He’s all about the team. He comes up in the big moments when we need him most."

A huge void will have to be filled on the offensive line with 2014 Vern Smith Leadership Award winner Greg Mancz departing. Mancz helped lead Toledo to the top spot in the MAC in total offense with 486.3 yards.

DefenseOrion Jones headlines Toledo’s defensive line going into 2015. The CFP Preseason All-MAC Honorable Mention finished with a team-high six sacks for a total of 30 yards and recorded 10 tackles for loss. Another CFP All-MAC HM, Treyvon Hester, is a player in the trenches to watch for. Hester finished with 49 tackles (22 solo) with 9.5 going for a loss. The line, which finished last season 13th overall in rushing yards allowed per game, will be a definite strength of Toledo's

While the linebacker core is lacking, the secondary has some impact players including seniors cornerback Christian Dukes and safety Chaz Whittaker, who each pulled in two interceptions a season ago. Toledo’s secondary will look to make up for the loss of safety Jordan Haden due to graduation. Haden recorded 46 tackles and caught three interceptions in 2014.

Special TeamsNick Ellis is expected to handle the punting duties for Toledo. Ellis netted 1,901 yards on 52 punts, with 17 of them downed inside the 20-yard line. Toledo will have to find a replacement at kicker after a solid 2014 performance by former kicker Jeremiah Detmer (17-of-22 field goals).

“Our recruiting efforts will always emphasize the state of Ohio and a four-hour radius of Toledo, but we’re in a situation now where we can go out and bring in players into our program from areas that have great football traditions and coaching,” said Campbell. “Our success and exposure on national TV have truly made Toledo a national brand.”

Cornerback Aaron Covington is the top prospect from the group. As a senior in high school, Covington garnered 31 tackles and six interceptions“Aaron is one of the most athletic corners we have ever signed here at Toledo. His style of play is as physical as anyone I have signed. A leader on the defense of the state runner-up Armwood High School, Aaron has the ability to make an impact as a returner and corner from the time he starts workouts here this summer."

OutlookThe Rockets’ 2015 schedule features a road test at Arkansas and a home game against a power five school for the second straight season in Iowa State. Coach Campbell knows the schedule will be no pushover but hopes it can bring the best out of his squad.

“We obviously face another challenging schedule, but it is a big plus for our team and our fans to have seven home games,” Campbell said. “We welcome the challenge of matching up with schools from some of the best conferences in the country.” (UTRockets.com)